Bloom 2008, Ireland's largest gardening event, hosted by Bord Bia, attracted over 50,000 visitors to the Phoenix Park over the bank holiday weekend. As the event concluded, Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia commented "Bloom 2008 has been an outstanding success and we can take great pleasure in its extraordinary development in just two years. We are delighted with the standard of this year's show and we have every reason to believe the event will grow to become an international showcase with an impact both at home and abroad. The exceptional number of visitors to Bloom is an indication of the ever-increasing interest in gardening in Ireland."
Gary Graham, Bloom Project Manager, Bord Bia said "The feedback has been overwhelming, with many visitors expressing their delight with the increased variety of features and attractions. An event of this magnitude would not be possible without the support of many different people and organisations and I would like to thank our sponsors – Pfizer, Keelings and Tesco - and of course the OPW who not only provide us with a stunning backdrop but who deserve recognition for the upkeep of some of the finest gardens in this country"
Ireland's top garden designers and floral artists excelled this year, surpassing the judge's expectations. In total, 48 medals were awarded by the international judging panel, a significant increase on the 27 medals awarded in 2007. All thirty garden designers are given the opportunity to vote for their personal favourite garden. The Designer's Choice Award was presented to Oliver and Liat Schurmann, who also received the Overall Medium Garden Award, for their creation entitled Twilight. Visitors to the event voted in their thousands and honoured Tim Austen with The Peoples' Choice Award for his "Inspiration from Mount Usher" garden.
The speciality food market, which included 40 producers from around the country, proved to be a very popular choice with the punters. Barry Broderick, Managing Director of Ina's Kitchen Desserts said "At one point over the weekend we had to call in extra staff to meet with the overwhelming demand. Our baker and ice cream maker had to return to work unexpectedly to keep us stocked up. Our giant muffins, ice cream and scones were particularly great sellers throughout the event."
Plant sales significantly increased this year and for many visitors the introduction of a plant carrying service lightened the load. Orla Woods from Kilmurry Nursery who coordinated the 3,000 square metres Floral Marquee said "we've enjoyed a fantastic weekend with sales significantly increased compared to 2007. Everyone has had to re-stock at various stages over the weekend and it is very encouraging to see so many of the show gardens using our plants. The visitors have been returning to the Floral Marquee each evening to purchase plants they have noticed in the gardens during the day."
The Craft Trail, under the auspices of the Craft Council of Ireland, was a new introduction this year and according to Chief Executive Úna Parsons the visitors relished the opportunity to engage with the craftspeople at work. "Garden and craft have a very real and tangible connection and we've had a great response throughout the five days. We look forward to an even greater presence in 2009" she added.
Plans for Bloom 2009 are already underway and the date is now in the diary for the next Bloom bank holiday weekend, set to commence on Thursday May 28th 2009.